Collierville High School Math Educator Who Believes ‘Every Child Can Do Math’ Named Tennessee Teacher of the Year
The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) announced Dr. Brandi De La Cruz, a mathematics teacher at Collierville High School, as the 2025–26 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
The Rock Academy Aims to Serve Nashville Students Who Aren’t Seen
If approved by the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission, The Rock Academy would open in 2026 with an initial class of 88 freshmen and then add a grade each year.
Wilson County Schools Votes to Raise Employee Health Insurance Costs Amid Funding Concerns
Wilson County School Board members approved a new health insurance plan for 2026 that will increase employee contributions by at least $600 annually.
Williamson County Parents Sue School Board for Allegedly Allowing a Transgender Student to Participate in an All-Girls Sex Ed Class
The lawsuit stems from two seventh grade family life classes that occurred last May at Legacy Middle School in Franklin.
Tennessee Charter Schools Face $1,500 Per-Pupil Facilities Funding Gap, Survey Finds
Tennessee’s public charter schools face an estimated $1,500 per-pupil facilities funding gap compared to traditional public schools, according to new data from the Tennessee Charter School Center (TCSC).
Metro Nashville Public Schools Superintendent Faces Criticism and Support at Board Meeting
Half a dozen parents, including Kindall Maupin, utilized the meeting’s public comment phase to attack Dr. Battle’s leadership, and a recent $6.5 million legal settlement with former district administrators approved by the Board of Education.
Tennessee Teachers Oppose Classroom Cellphone Use but Are Interested in Artificial Intelligence, Survey Finds
A new statewide poll of Tennessee teachers found many remain skeptical of cellphone use at school.
The Forge School Builds Support Among Nashville Parents and Students
The proposed sixth through 12th grade public charter school is designed to provide hands-on, real-world learning to students who are interested in careers in architecture, construction, or engineering.
Judge Denies Former Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent’s Request to be Reinstated
On Friday, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Robert Childers issued an order denying Feagins’ request for a preliminary injunction of her controversial termination.
MNPS Partners with Vanderbilt on $450K Study to Combat Chronic Absenteeism in Nashville Schools
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) is teaming up with Vanderbilt University on a new $450 thousand research project aimed at tackling one of the city’s most pressing education challenges: chronic absenteeism.
Spotlight: Nashville Chamber CEO Stephanie Coleman Advances Public Education Through Civic Leadership
When Stephanie Coleman became president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce in February 2025, she brought with her a clear vision for the organization’s future…
Tennessee Foreign Language Graduation Requirement Debate Sparks Outcry: Some Warn of ‘Devastating Consequences’
Tennessee State Board of Education (SBE) Chairman Robert Eby’s proposed study of Tennessee’s foreign language graduation requirement is sparking backlash from education leaders, college officials, and concerned community members.
Rocketship Public Schools Drops Charter Appeal in Nashville to Focus on Rutherford County
Rocketship Executive Director Eric Dailey tells the Tennessee Firefly that his organization is only planning to appeal the narrow 4-3 decision in Rutherford County to the Tennessee Public Charter School Commission.
Tennessee Nature Academy Puts Down Roots in Cane Ridge
The Tennessee Nature Academy held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday for its new school building that will open on 23 acres of donated land in Cane Ridge next year.
Memphis-Shelby County Schools Approves Fourth KIPP School
The vote aligns with a recommendation from the district charter review team that found the school met all state standards.
Shelby County Commission Delays Vote That Could Cut School Board Members’ Terms Short
A controversial effort to reset all Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board terms in 2026 hit pause Monday as the Shelby County Commission delayed its vote, citing legal concerns and public backlash over what critics call an unconstitutional power grab.
Nashville PROPEL Calls for Superintendent Dr. Adrienne Battle to Step Down
The parent advocacy organization is upset that Battle’s administration is paying a reported $6.5 million in a legal settlement with five former school administrators who sued the district for alleged discrimination.
Novus SMART Academy Approval Brings a Fourth Public Charter School to Rutherford County
Board members Tammy Sharp, Katie Darby, Stan Vaught, and Vice-Chair Frances voted in support of Novus SMART, while Chair Claire Maxwell, Butch Vaughn, and Caleb Tidwell voted against it.
Tennessee Lawmakers Reconsider 180-Day School Calendar Amid Push for Flexible Scheduling
A new state legislative advisory committee met Thursday in Nashville to explore whether the state’s current 180-day school calendar should be replaced by a more flexible instructional time model, measured in hours or minutes.
Tennessee’s Tax-Free Weekend Returns as School Supply Policies Vary by District
With Tennessee’s annual Tax-Free Weekend scheduled for July 26–28, families across the state are preparing for back-to-school purchases.

